Policy
Single-member surveillance watchdog backs 702 powers, raising independence questions
A staff report from the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board praises the value of Section 702 of FISA, though all but one of the board’s members were removed last year.
Artificial Intelligence
Old-school spycraft could make a comeback as AI undermines trust
An article in the CIA’s Studies in Intelligence journal argues that artificial intelligence may erode confidence in certain electronic communications and further revive centuries-old human intelligence techniques.
Artificial Intelligence
ODNI is building a framework to boost spy agencies’ AI adoption
A tech modernization push launched last year also included expanded threat hunting across IC networks, according to an official.
Exclusive
People
New NSA director pushes for more intel-sharing with allies in internal meeting
Gen. Josh Rudd also told members of NSA and Cyber Command that the organizations should still focus on major cyber adversaries like Russia and China, despite the Trump administration’s emphasis on the southern border.
People
Counterterrorism center head resigns over Iran war
Joe Kent said Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation” and he could not support the ongoing war.
Policy
FBI gathered intelligence on reporters, religious orgs using ‘assessment’ authority, watchdog report says
The bureau also undercounts analysts’ non-compliance with assessment policies because it relies on self-reporting and infrequent audits, the sensitive GAO review adds.
Policy
White House will hold meeting to discuss renewal of controversial spying power
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is set to expire this spring unless renewed by lawmakers.
People
Gabbard’s office denies wrongdoing amid scrutiny over whistleblower complaint
ODNI said she acted within her authority in response to reports describing an NSA-intercepted phone call tied to the case.
People
Now accepting applications — for classified intel
Foreign adversaries are using fake jobs and consulting gigs to coax secrets from former U.S. officials. It’s had results, and the efforts don’t appear to be slowing.
Cybersecurity
Domestic surveillance fears loom over Congress debate to renew spying power
Lawmakers’ concerns about immigration enforcement and Fourth Amendment compliance are weighing on the reauthorization fight for Section 702 of FISA, even as the FBI privately warns against letting the foreign spying law lapse.
Cybersecurity
Potential NSA, Cyber Command leader nomination transmitted to Senate
The signals intelligence titan and combatant command have been without a permanent leader for months since far-right activist Laura Loomer pushed for the firing of Gen. Timothy Haugh in April.
Policy
Trump’s national security strategy risks blinding US to other threats, former officials warn
The White House’s push to prioritize Venezuela, coupled with hardline policies on migration and drug trafficking, threatens to pull intelligence resources away from enduring security challenges in Europe, Asia and beyond, they argue.
Cybersecurity
Defense authorization bill includes billions for cyber, intelligence matters
The NDAA notably deviates partly from President Donald Trump’s national security strategy, which seeks some distance between the U.S. and Europe. It also makes a sweeping regulatory harmonization demand.
Cybersecurity
Trump’s national security strategy wants spy agencies to watch world supply chains
The paper puts much of its emphasis on the Western Hemisphere, while pushing for closer cyber collaboration with both regional partners and the private sector.
Defense
Foreign spies are targeting Army soldiers, civilians and families, official warns
Current and former federal workers, especially those with security clearances, should be aware of the attempts, an Army intelligence chief said in a November memo.
Policy
Congress weighed measure to curtail scope of DHS intelligence office
A provision, ultimately left out of the Intelligence Authorization Act, would have removed commonplace collection and analysis authorities granted to the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis, rendering much of the office’s functions inert.
Defense
Industry groups push to keep open-source measures in annual intelligence bill
They’re backing provisions in the House version of the Intelligence Authorization Act. But multiple intelligence community elements are hesitant about the measures, people familiar say.
Cybersecurity
Inside America’s next information war
Washington is paring back its defenses against influence operations, even as adversaries supercharge them with AI. Much of the fight is shifting to the private sector.
People
DHS intelligence office sent deferred resignation offers to shed staff in recent months
The DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis is working to incrementally reduce the size of its workforce, following plans for mass cuts that faced severe pushback from stakeholders over the summer.
Defense